From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 22 November 1779
To Major General William Heath
Head Quarters West-point 22d Novr 1779
Dr Sir
I received your favor of the 21st last night, and have this morning transmitted an extract respecting the want of flour, to the commissary General, requesting him to take the most immediate and effectual measures to procure a proper supply.1 Till this can be done, you will use the best means in your power to keep the troops in temper. The want of rain is the great reason of our deficiencies in this article. When this falls we shall be amply supplied.
As the general objects of your command will be more within your reach at your old quarters at Mandevilles, and as you may be more at your quiet in this place, I think you had better move up, leaving the command where you are to Gen: Howe that is, provided the state of your health will admit of the change. I am Dr Sir your most ob. svt
Go: Washington
LS, in James McHenry’s writing, MHi: Heath Papers; Df, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
1. Heath’s letter to GW of 21 Nov. has not been found, but a portion of its contents appears in GW’s letter to Jeremiah Wadsworth written at West Point on this date: “General Heath writes me from Peeks-kill, that, ‘the troops in this quarter have been without bread for a day or two past, which has created great uneasiness, and the men are driven to duty. Col. Pawling now informs me that one half of his corps this morning slung their packs, and were determined to march off to the governor. The Colonel called on the Continental troops for assistance to quell them, but fortunately they were pacified before the troops arrived. The uneasiness will again break out, and probably spread further if supplies cannot be obtained. It is unfortunate that at this time there is a scarcity of vegitables as well as bread.’
“I need not urge to you the absolute necessity of taking the most effectual and immediate measures in the present case” (LS, in James McHenry’s writing, CtHi: Washington Letters and Papers; Df, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW; see also Heath to GW, 17 Dec., and n.2). For the flour shortage, see Wadsworth to GW, 8 Nov., and the source note and n.1 to that document; see also GW to Anthony Wayne, 9 November. For Wadsworth’s resignation as commissary general of purchases and the troubled state of that department, see Wadsworth to GW, 29 Oct., and especially n.5.